Euphorbia hirta. 飞 扬 草  Fēi yáng cǎo  Pill bearing Spurge, Milk Herb   Family: Euphorbiaceae     
A widespread tropical weed.
   FLAVOR: Sour and biting.
ACTIONS
1. Antipyretic and detoxifies.[1]
2. Reduces flatus, stops itching.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Enteritis, dysentery.[1]
2. Athlete's foot, other skin conditions.[1]
PREPARATIONS: Decoction. Whole plant 15-30 g.[1]

HABITAT: Grows wild along roadsides and village outskirts.
DESCRIPTION: Creeping or climbing, secretes milky juice when stem is broken. Leaves; opposite, ovate to rectangular-rounded, apexes rounded, bases obliquely inclined, margins finely dentate, petioles short. Flowers; in the summer, numerous purplish-red small flowers axillary, cymose inflorescence. Capsule; flat-ovate.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents.
Research.
Two of the active constituents are thought to be choline and shikimic acid, which affect isolated smooth muscle preparations.[1]
Possesses hypoglycaemic and anti-cancer activity on laboratory animals.[2]
References
[1] El-Naggar, L. et al. (1978) Lloydia 41, 73
[2] R. K. Baslas and R. Agarwal, Current Science, 49, 311 (1980)

Antiviral activities of extracts of Euphorbia hirta L. against HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIVmac251.
Gyuris A, Szlávik L, Minárovits J, Vasas A, Molnár J, Hohmann J.
Abstract
The antiretroviral activities of extracts of Euphorbia hirta were investigated in vitro on the MT4 human T lymphocyte cell line. The cytotoxicities of the extracts were tested by means of the MTT cell proliferation assay, and then the direct effects of the aqueous extract on HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV(mac251) reverse transcriptase (RT) activity were determined. A dose-dependent inhibition of RT activity was observed for all three viruses. The HIV-1 inhibitory potency of E. hirta was studied further, and the activities of the aqueous and 50% methanolic extracts were compared. The 50% methanolic extract was found to exert a higher antiretroviral effect than that of the aqueous extract. The 50% MeOH extract was subjected to liquid-liquid partition with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and water. Only the remaining aqueous phase exhibited significant antiviral activity; all the lipophilic extracts appeared to be inactive. After removal of the tannins from the aqueous extract, the viral replication inhibitory effect was markedly decreased, and it was therefore concluded that tannins are most probably responsible for the high antiretroviral activity.
PMID: 19454510  In Vivo. 2009 May-Jun;23(3):429-32. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Behavioral effects of Euphorbia hirta L.: sedative and anxiolytic properties.
Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, Cabalion P, Rolland A, Dorfman P, Misslin R, Pelt JM.
Abstract
Lyophilised aqueous extract of Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) has been evaluated for behavioral effects in mice. The extract did not induce any toxic effect when it was administered i.p. and orally. Sedative properties could be confirmed with high doses (100 mg of dried plant/kg, and more), by a decrease of behavioral parameters measured in non-familiar environment tests (activitest and staircase test), whereas anticonflict effects appeared at lower doses (12.5 and 25 mg of dried plant/kg), by an enhancement of behavioral parameters measured in the staircase test and in the light/dark choice situation test. These findings validate the traditional use of E. hirta as a sedative and reveal original anxiolytic properties.
PMID: 1973750  J Ethnopharmacol. 1990 May;29(2):189-98. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
 
The effect of water extracts of Euphorbia hirta on cartilage degeneration in arthritic rats.
Lee KH, Chen YS, Judson JP, Chakravarthi S, Sim YM, Er HM.
Abstract
The effect of water extracts of Euphorbia hirta on the histological features and expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the rat articular cartilage was investigated. Arthritis was induced in rats using Freund's Complete Adjuvant containing heat-killed M. tuberculosis, and treated with water extracts of E. hirta. Paraffin tissue sections of the arthritic joints were evaluated. The extent of cartilage degeneration was found to be greatest in rats treated with the highest dosage of E. hirta, followed by rats in the untreated group. Rats treated with the intermediary and low dosages of Euphorbia hirta showed improved histology. MMP-13 levels were found to be decreased with decreasing dosages of E. hirta. TIMP-1 levels were found to increase with decreasing dosages of E. hirta. MMP-3 levels fluctuated without any appreciable pattern. Low dosages of E. hirta seem to be beneficial in reducing cartilage degeneration in cases of arthritis.
PMID: 19291918  Malays J Pathol. 2008 Dec;30(2):95-102. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of Euphorbia hirta ethanolic extract.
Sharma N, Samarakoon KW, Gyawali R, Park YH, Lee SJ, Oh SJ, Lee TH, Jeong DK.
Abstract
This study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of a Euphorbia hirta L. extract. The antioxidant activities of whole E. hirta ethanol extract were determined by electron spin resonance spectrophotometric analysis of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and alkyl radical levels and by using an online high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. The E. hirta ethanol extract (0.5 mg/mL) exhibited DPPH-scavenging activity of 61.19% ± 0.22%, while the positive control (0.5 mg/mL ascorbic acid) had 100% ± 0.22% activity. The concentration of the extract required to trap 50% of DPPH (IC50) was 0.205 mg/mL. Online HPLC analysis of the extract also showed strong antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of the E. hirta extract was assessed in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The anti-inflammatory activity was highest in the presence of 200 µg/mL E. hirta extract, and nitric oxide production was decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The extract also showed selective anticancer activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL (p < 0.05). These results indicated that E. hirta may warrant further investigation for the development of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer herbal medications.
PMID: 25225720 DOI: 10.3390/molecules190914567  Molecules. 2014 Sep 15;19(9):14567-81. doi: 10.3390/molecules190914567. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of Euphorbia hirta.
Lanhers MC, Fleurentin J, Dorfman P, Mortier F, Pelt JM.
Abstract
Lyophilised aqueous extract of Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) has been evaluated for analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties in mice and rats, in order to complete its activity profile, after the confirmation of the existence of a central depressant activity particularly expressed by a strong sedative effect, associated with anxiolytic effects. This study leads us to the conclusion that this plant extract exerts central analgesic properties. Such a dose-dependent action was obtained against chemical (writhing test) and thermic (hot plate test) stimuli, respectively, from the doses of 20 and 25 mg/kg and it was inhibited by a naloxone pretreatment, a specific morphinic antagonist compound. An antipyretic activity was obtained at the sedative doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg, on the yeast-induced hyperthermia. Finally, significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects were observed on an acute inflammatory process (carrageenan-induced edema test in rats) from the dose of 100 mg/kg. On the other hand, plant extract remained inactive on chronic processes such as Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis, after a chronic treatment during fourteen days at the daily dose of 200 or 400 mg/kg; however, if inefficacy was observed on rat backpaws edema and on loss of weight, the aqueous extract reduced the inflammatory hyperalgia.
PMID: 1896520 DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-960079  Planta Med. 1991 Jun;57(3):225-31. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antidiarrhoeic activity of Euphorbia hirta extract and isolation of an active flavonoid constituent.
Galvez J, Zarzuelo A, Crespo ME, Lorente MD, Ocete MA, Jiménez J.
Abstract
The antidiarrhoeic activity of the Euphorbia hirta whole plant was investigated. The lyophilized decoction demonstrated antidiarrhoeic activity in experimental models of diarrhoea induced by castor oil, arachidonic acid, and prostaglandin E2. It showed no activity when magnesium sulphate was used to provoke the diarrhoea. The lyophilized decoction delayed small intestinal transit when this was accelerated by castor oil but not in normal conditions. A flavonoid, quercitrin, with antidiarrhoeic activity was isolated from this crude drug.
PMID: 8372151 DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-959694  Planta Med. 1993 Aug;59(4):333-6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immunosuppressive effects of Euphorbia hirta in experimental animals.
Ahmad SF 1 , Khan B , Bani S , Kaul A , Sultan P , Ali SA , Satti NK , Bakheet SA , Attia SM , Zoheir KM , Abd-Allah AR
Abstract
Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) (E. hirta) is a tree locally used as a traditional medicine in Africa and Australia to treat numerous diseases such as hypertension, respiratory ailments, tumors, wounds, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory activities, etc. Therefore, we undertook to investigate their immunomodulatory effect on T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ receptors) and Th1 cytokines (IL-2, TNF-a, IFN-?) in a dose-dependent manner. E. hirta ethanol extract at 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses was given orally for 7 days from the day of immunization. E. hirta maximum inhibition at 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. was found to significantly block the production of the cell-mediated immune response, (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ receptors) and (IL-2, TNF-a, IFN-?) and also prolongs graft rejection. E. hirta also showed a decrease of delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) response and dose-related decrease in the primary antibody response, respectively. Based on the data, it can be suggested that E. hirta is a potent and non-toxic immunosuppressor, which can be further explored for the development of potent immunosuppressor.
(PMID:22710830)
Inflammopharmacology [19 Jun 2012, 21(2):161-168] DOI: 10.1007/s10787-012-0144-6 europepmc.org

Antidiabetic and Free Radicals Scavenging Potential of Euphorbia hirta Flower Extract
S. Kumar,* R. Malhotra, and D. Kumar
Abstract
The present study was carried out to evaluate antidiabetic and in vitro free radicals scavenging effects of flower extract of Euphorbia hirta. The ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally tested for 21 days in alloxan induced diabetic mice and blood glucose level was measured with glucometer. Administration of extract resulted in significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase levels but high density lipoprotein levels and total proteins were found to be increased after treatments. Free radicals scavenging effect of ethanolic extract was also evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, and reducing power assay. It was compared with standard antioxidants compounds such as butylated hydroxyl anisole and ascorbic acid. All the extracts showed antioxidant activity in all the tested methods.
Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 Jul-Aug; 72(4): 533–537.
doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.73921
PMCID: PMC3013561 pubmedcentralcanada.ca

Triterpenes from Euphorbia hirta and their cytotoxicity
Consolacion Y.RagasaKimberly B.Cornelio
Abstract
Aim
To investigate the chemical constituents of the stems, leaves and roots of Euphorbia hirta, and to test for the cytotoxic and antimicrobial potentials of the major constituents of the plant.
Methods
The compounds were isolated by silica gel chromatography and their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity tests were conducted using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the antimicrobial tests employed the agar well method.
Results
The air-dried stems of E. hirta afforded taraxerone 1, a mixture of 25-hydroperoxycycloart-23-en-3ß-ol (2a) and 24-hydroperoxycycloart-25-en-3ß-ol (2b) (sample 2) in a 2 : 1 ratio, and another mixture of cycloartenol (3a), lupeol (3b), a-amyrin (3c) and ß-amyrin (3d) (sample 3) in a 0.5 : 4 : 1 : 1 ratio. The air-dried leaves of E. hirta yielded sample 2 in a 3 : 2 ratio, sample 3 in a 2 : 3 : 1 : 1 ratio, phytol and phytyl fatty acid ester, while the roots afforded sample 2 in a 2 : 1 ratio, sample 3 in a 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio, a mixture of cycloartenyl fatty acid ester 4a, lupeol fatty acid ester 4b, a-amyrin fatty acid ester 4c and ß-amyrin fatty acid ester 4d (sample 4) in a 3 : 2 : 1 : 1 ratio, linoleic acid, ß-sitosterol and squalene. Compound 1 from the stems, sample 2 from the leaves, and sample 3 from the stems were assessed for cytotoxicity against a human cancer cell line, colon carcinoma (HCT 116). Sample 2 showed good activity with an IC50 value of 4.8 µg·mL-1, while 1 and sample 3 were inactive against HCT 116. Sample 2 was further tested for cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma (A549). It showed good activity against this cell line with an IC50 value of 4.5 µg·mL-1. Antimicrobial assays were conducted on 1 and sample 2. Results of the study indicated that 1 was active against the bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, but was inactive against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Sample 2 was active against the bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungi: Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It was inactive against Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger.
Conclusions
The triterpenes: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d were obtained from the stems, roots and leaves of E. hirta. Taraxerol (1) was only isolated from the stems, the leaves yielded phytol and phytyl fatty acid esters, while the roots afforded 4a-4d, linoleic acid, ß-sitosterol, and squalene. Triterpene 1 and sample 2 were found to exhibit antimicrobial activities. Thus, these compounds are some of the active principles of E. hirta which is used in wound healing and the treatment of boils. The cytotoxic properties of sample 2 imply that triterpenes 2a and 2b contribute to the anticancer activity of E. hirta.
Elsevier
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines Volume 11, Issue 5, September 2013, Pages 528-533
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-5364(13)60096-5 sciencedirect.com